CVE-2022-32929 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apple iOS and iPadOS operating systems. The vulnerability stems from a permissions issue that could allow a malicious app to access iOS backups stored on the device. iOS backups often contain sensitive user data including application data, settings, and potentially personal information. The flaw is related to improper access control (CWE-732), where an app without proper authorization can read backup data that should be restricted. This issue was addressed by Apple through additional restrictions in iOS versions 15.7, 15.7.1, and 16.1, which prevent unauthorized apps from accessing backup data. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), with an attack vector of local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The impact is high on confidentiality (C), but no impact on integrity (I) or availability (A). Exploitation requires the attacker to have local access to the device and trick the user into interacting with the malicious app. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication. This vulnerability highlights the risk of sensitive data exposure through backup files if malicious apps are installed on vulnerable iOS or iPadOS devices prior to patching.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to employees and executives using iOS or iPadOS devices for work, especially if those devices contain backups with sensitive corporate or personal data. Unauthorized access to backups could lead to leakage of confidential information, intellectual property, or personal data protected under GDPR, potentially resulting in compliance violations and reputational damage. The risk is heightened in sectors with strict data privacy requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government. Although exploitation requires local access and user interaction, the widespread use of iPhones and iPads in Europe means that targeted attacks or insider threats could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information. Organizations relying on mobile device management (MDM) solutions and enforcing strict app installation policies can reduce exposure, but unpatched devices remain vulnerable until updated.

1. Ensure all iOS and iPadOS devices are updated to the latest patched versions (iOS/iPadOS 15.7.1 or later, 16.1 or later) to incorporate the fix for this vulnerability. 2. Enforce strict app installation policies using MDM solutions to prevent installation of untrusted or potentially malicious apps. 3. Educate users about the risks of installing apps from unverified sources and the importance of avoiding suspicious prompts that require interaction. 4. Regularly audit devices for unauthorized apps and monitor for unusual access patterns to backup data. 5. Limit local physical access to devices and implement strong device passcodes and biometric protections to reduce risk of local exploitation. 6. Consider encrypting backups and using secure backup solutions that restrict app-level access. 7. Maintain an incident response plan that includes procedures for potential data exposure from mobile devices.